Pressure differential-driven engine

ABSTRACT

A pressure differential-driven engine ( 10 ) includes an outer pressurizable enclosure ( 12 ). A pressure barrier plate ( 14 ) is disposed within the outer pressurizable enclosure and an actuator enclosure ( 16 ) is disposed adjacent the pressure barrier plate and has an actuator ( 17 ) disposed therein. The actuator has a high pressure exposure surface ( 30 ) forming an oblique angle with respect to the pressure barrier plate. The pressure barrier plate, a bottom of the actuator, and the actuator enclosure cooperatively define a pressurizable cavity ( 34 ) cyclable between a first, high pressure state, and a second, low pressure state. The actuator and actuator enclosure are collectively slidable relative to the barrier plate in reaction to cycling of the pressurizable cavity between the first and second pressure states to produce usable translational energy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to pressure differential-drivenengines. More specifically, the invention relates to an engine using apressurized working fluid to produce cyclic motion.

2. Related Art

Engines for converting energy from one form to another have been usedfor many years in a number of applications. Perhaps the best knownexample, the internal combustion (“IC”) engine, converts energy storedin the form of petroleum-based fuel into mechanical energy. IC engineshave been successfully utilized to power vehicles, electric generators,lawn mowers, etc. Typical IC engines convert energy stored in fuel intomechanical energy by burning or detonating the fuel and extracting forcegenerated in a cylinder/piston assembly. Typical IC engines use theforce generated in the cylinder/piston assembly to drive some type ofoutput device, such as a rotary crankshaft, a direct rotary output, orother power take-off device.

While IC engines have been used with success in a variety ofapplications, they can be problematic for a number of reasons. One suchproblem relates to the efficiency of the energy conversion process. Forinstance, typical IC engines have efficiency ratings in the range of30–50%, with 50% considered to be highly efficient and generally onlyachievable by large, highly precise, and, therefore, costly engines. Inaddition, the process of converting fossil fuels into useful mechanicalenergy often results in large degrees of pollution released into theatmosphere, which can be detrimental to the environment in general, andparticularly to humans who are exposed to or breathe the polluted air.As more and more IC-powered vehicles are produced and operated by anincreasingly greater population, the levels of pollution produced byIC-powered vehicles is becoming an increasingly greater concern. Inaddition, IC engines necessarily create a great deal of heat, as theyproduce a series of combustion events which generate force andassociated byproduct of heat. This can be problematic for applicationswhich benefit from low-heat production engines.

In addition to IC engines, a variety of energy transducers have beendeveloped for converting energy from one form to another. Examples ofsuch transducers include heat engines, fluid compressors, hydraulicactuators, etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop anengine that produces usable mechanical energy with increased efficiency.In addition, it has been recognized that it would be advantageous todevelop a mechanical engine that produces useable mechanical energywhile minimizing the byproducts of pollution, high heat generation, anddangerous combustion byproducts.

The invention provides a pressure differential-driven engine, includingan outer pressurizable enclosure. A pressure barrier plate can bedisposed within the outer pressurizable enclosure and an actuatorenclosure can be disposed adjacent the pressure barrier plate and canhave an actuator disposed therein. The actuator can have a high pressureexposure surface forming an oblique angle with respect to the pressurebarrier plate. The pressure barrier plate, a bottom of the actuator, andthe actuator enclosure can cooperatively define a pressurizable cavitywhich is cyclable between a first, high pressure state, and a second,low pressure state. The actuator and actuator enclosure can becollectively slidable relative to the barrier plate in reaction tocycling of the pressurizable cavity between the first and secondpressure states to produce usable translational energy.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a pressuredifferential-driven engine is provided, including an outer pressurizableenclosure and a pressure barrier plate disposed within the outerpressurizable enclosure. An actuator enclosure can be disposed upon thepressure barrier plate and can have an actuator disposed therein. Theactuator can be rigidly and slidably coupled to at least one supportrail fixed in position with respect to the actuator enclosure. Thepressure barrier plate, a bottom of the actuator, and the actuatorenclosure can cooperatively define a pressurizable cavity cyclablebetween a first, high pressure state, and a second, low pressure state.The actuator and actuator enclosure can be slidable relative to thebarrier plate in reaction to cycling of the pressurizable cavity betweenthe first and second pressure states to produce usable translationalenergy.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method forconverting energy from a high pressure fluid into usable translationalenergy is provided, including the steps of: disposing an actuatorenclosure adjacent a pressure barrier plate within an outer, highpressure enclosure, said actuator enclosure being slidable relative tothe barrier plate within the outer, high pressure enclosure; disposingan actuator within the actuator enclosure, with a high pressure exposuresurface of the actuator disposed at an oblique angle to the pressurebarrier plate; retaining the actuator from moving with respect to theactuator enclosure; pressurizing the outer, high pressure enclosure to ahigh pressure state; and creating a low pressure state between theactuator and the actuator enclosure to thereby cause the actuator andactuator enclosure to slide relative to the barrier plate within theouter, high pressure enclosure.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be apparentfrom the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example,features of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front, partially sectioned view of a pressuredifferential-driven engine in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a front, sectional view of one aspect of the engine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is rear view of one aspect of the engine of FIG. 1, orientedalong a plane orthogonal to the generally parallel barrier plate andguide rails of the engine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a more detailed view of one aspect of a lower, collapsiblepiston of the engine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a front, partially sectional view of the engine of FIG. 1including an auxiliary power take-off device;

FIG. 6 is a front, sectional view of an actuator and actuator enclosurein accordance with another aspect of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a front, sectional view of another actuator and actuatorenclosure in accordance with another aspect of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a front, sectional view of another actuator and actuatorenclosure in accordance with another aspect of the invention;

FIG. 9A is a top view of two of the actuators of FIG. 8 in a circuitconfiguration;

FIG. 9B is a top view of the actuators of FIG. 8 shown in post-actuationposition; and

FIG. 10 is an alternate embodiment of the actuators of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated inthe drawings, which are illustrative of the underlying scientificprinciples thereof; and specific language will be used herein todescribe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitationof the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Alterations andfurther modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, andadditional applications of the principles of the inventions asillustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant artand having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered withinthe scope of the invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a system, indicated generally at 10, inaccordance with the present invention is shown for a pressuredifferential-driven engine. The system includes an outer, pressurizableenclosure or vessel 12, which can be configured to be pressurized with afluid, such as pressurized air, or other gas or liquid. Disposed in thevessel 12 is a pressure barrier plate 14 which, in the embodiment shown,is configured to be stationary relative to the pressure vessel and canbe slanted at an angle relative to a lower surface of the pressurizableenclosure or vessel 12. The pressure barrier plate 14 can include ahighly polished or finished upper and lower surface 14 a and 14 b,respectively.

Disposed adjacent the barrier plate 14 is at least one actuatorenclosure 16 which can enclose an actuator (not visible in FIG. 1 butdiscussed in further detail below). One or more guide or support rails18 can be disposed adjacent and parallel to the barrier plate. Asdiscussed in more detail below, the actuators enclosed by enclosures 16can be slidably coupled to the guide rails to constrain the actuator tosliding in a slanted (with respect to the bottom of the enclosure) pathalong the guide rails 18. Actuator enclosure seals 22 can be disposedbetween the actuator enclosures 16 and the barrier plate 14 tofacilitate low-friction sliding by the enclosures over the barrierplate; and to allow a substantially pressure-tight cavity to be createdwithin the enclosure. Connecting rods 24 can be utilized to connect theactuator enclosures 16 with a lower, collapsible piston assembly 44, asdiscussed in more detail below. In addition, the connecting rods 24 canprovide vertical alignment and stability to the actuator enclosures 16and can be coupled to and connect with guide or support rails 18, asdiscussed in more detail below.

In use, the pressurizable enclosure or vessel 12 is pressurized with afluid such as pressurized air, so that the various components enclosedwithin the vessel are substantially all exposed to a first, higherpressure. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a valve 15 can disposedbetween a high pressure source (not shown) and the vessel to facilitatepressurization of the vessel. By means that are discussed in more detailbelow, a pressure differential is created within the actuator enclosurewhich causes the actuator and actuator enclosure 16 a to slide angledlyup or down the barrier plate. In one embodiment, a lower pressure isestablished in a pressurizable cavity formed between the actuator, thebarrier plate, and the actuator enclosure, which causes a pressuredifferential condition on the actuator and causes the actuator to move.

Thus, as the actuator and actuator enclosure 16 a move upwardly anddownwardly along the barrier plate, cyclic motion is produced whichincludes both a vertical and a horizontal component. As discussed inmore detail below, in one embodiment this motion is translated intocyclic horizontal motion, which can be translated to a power take-offdevice and used to perform mechanical work.

As shown in FIG. 1, both an upper enclosure 16 a and a lower enclosure16 b can be provided. Thus, while multiple actuators and actuatorenclosures are not necessary, by including one actuator and actuatorenclosure on the top of the barrier plate and one on the bottom of thebarrier plate, cyclic motion between upward and downward slanted motioncan be achieved by alternately creating a pressure differentialcondition on the upper and lower actuators. Thus, a pressuredifferential in the top actuator enclosure 16 a will cause downwardslanted motion and a pressure differential in the bottom actuatorenclosure 16 b will cause upward slanted motion. By alternatelyenergizing the two actuators, rapid cyclic motion up and down thebarrier plate 14 and guide rails 18 can be effectuated.

While the discussion herein will primarily focus on a lower and a higherpressure condition used to create the desired pressure differential, itis to be understood that more than two pressure conditions can beutilized, including variable high or low pressure conditions. However,to simplify the discussion herein, reference will be made to a highpressure, which can be above atmospheric pressure, and a low pressure,lower than the high pressure, which can include, but is not limited to,atmospheric pressure. By establishing the low pressure as atmosphericpressure, only one pressure source, a high pressure source, need beutilized, as the low pressure simply exists in the atmospheresurrounding the vessel 12.

Shown in greater, sectional detail in FIG. 2, the system can include anupper actuator 17 a and a lower actuator 17 b, each of which can bedisposed or enclosed within actuator enclosures 16 a and 16 b,respectively. While actuators and actuator enclosures of any type can beutilized in the present invention, in one embodiment the actuatorsinclude a piston-like configuration and are disposed within cylinders,similar to pistons and cylinders which might be included in an internalcombustion engine. While not so limited, in the interest of simplicitythe following discussion will refer to the actuators as pistons and theactuator enclosures as cylinders. It is to be understood, however, thatthe invention is not so limited and that other devices can be used foreither the actuators or actuator enclosures, as is known in the art. Theembodiment of the pistons 17 shown in FIG. 2 includes pistons having ahollow interior portion, which may be utilized to reduce overall weightand material requirements. However, a solid piston can also be utilized,as can a combination of the two.

To further simplify the discussion herein, reference will be primarilymade to the piston 17 a and cylinder 16 a disposed on top of the barrierplate 14. It is to be understood that no limitation of the invention isthereby intended, as multiple pistons can be utilized in the presentinvention, and can be disposed on top or bottom of the barrier plate, asshown in the various figures.

As shown in FIG. 2, piston seals 28 can be disposed between piston 17 aand its respective cylinder 16 a. The piston seals serve to limit all orpart of the sides of the piston 17 a from being exposed to a highpressure condition. In this manner, only a top, high pressure exposuresurface 30 a of the piston is substantially continually exposed to thehigh pressure condition present within the vessel 12. As indicated inFIG. 2, a pressurizable cavity or pressure exchange compartment 34 isformed or defined by a bottom 32 a of the piston 17 a, the barrier plate14, the actuator enclosure seals 22, and lowermost piston seals 28. Thepressurizable cavity 34 is utilized to alternately expose the bottom 32a of the piston 17 a to the high and the low pressure condition tocreate an alternating pressure differential condition on the piston. Thepressurizable cavity is thus cyclable between a first, higher pressurestate and a second, lower pressure state.

It will be appreciated that, while movement of the pistons isfacilitated by creating a low pressure condition between the barrierplate and piston, when a high pressure condition is present between thetwo, a more or less “neutral” pressure condition is imposed on thepiston. Thus, when high pressure is acting on both the bottom and top ofthe piston, the pressure forces on the piston are substantiallyneutralized, and the piston is not disposed to move. When an upper and alower piston are utilized, a neutral pressure differential on one pistonwill not significantly impede motion undergone by the other piston. Inone embodiment, a neutral pressure differential and a positive pressuredifferential will alternately be applied to an upper and a lower piston,to alternately move both pistons upwardly and downwardly on the barrierplate between the guide rails.

It will also be appreciated that, as the low pressure condition createdin the pressurizable cavity results in movement of the pistons, creatinga pressure differential between the top and bottom of a piston can bedone with relatively little fluid exchange. That is, the pressurizablecavity can be made substantially small in volume, as only a small pocketof low pressure fluid may be required to create an effective pressuredifferential. Thus, the present invention can be used to provide cyclicmovement of the piston/cylinder assembly with relatively low fluidexchange volumes.

As discussed in more detail below, particularly in relation to FIG. 3,the piston 17 a can be limited or constrained from absolute verticalmovement by guide rails 18. While the guide rails prevent or limitabsolute vertical movement, the piston 17 a is free to slide along theguide rails in a trajectory substantially parallel to the barrier plate14. Thus, as the pressurizable cavity 34 is exposed to the low pressurecondition, a force differential results upon the piston 17 a, as the topis exposed to the high pressure force F while the bottom is exposed tothe low pressure. This force, which tends to move the piston downwardly,is transferred to the guide rails 18 and the piston moves down the guiderails, which are slanted at approximately the same angle as the barrierplate 14, with a horizontal component of movement X. Thus, in theembodiment shown, the guide or support rails are substantially parallelto the pressure barrier plate.

The low pressure condition created in the pressurizable cavity 34 can beachieved in a variety of manners utilizing a variety of devices. In oneembodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, a channel 36 or other opening can beformed in the piston. The channel can be operatively coupled to a valve38 which in turn can be coupled to a hose 39 which is open to the lowpressure (as shown in FIG. 1). Thus, when a low pressure condition isdesired, the valve 38 can be opened, at which point the high pressurefluid previously contained in the cavity will be vented to low pressure,and a low pressure condition will result in the cavity which causes apressure differential resulting on the piston. The pressure differentialresulting on the piston will then cause the piston to move down theguide rail.

The hose 39 can be any type known to those skilled in the art, and inone embodiment includes a relatively flexible material that allows thehose to easily bend and move to enable the hose to follow the movementof the piston and cylinder. Similarly, a variety of means or methodsknown to those skilled in the art can also be used to create a lowpressure condition in the pressurizable cavity 34. For example, it iscontemplated that the pressure barrier plate 14 can include a channel orother opening which can introduce the low pressure condition into thecavity. Other suitable valving and control devices (not shown) can alsobe included to control the pressure condition within the pressurizablecavities of the piston/cylinder assemblies. As the pressuredifferential-driven engine may be operated at high speed cycles, acomputer-controlled valving system (not shown) may be utilized tofacilitate accurate and timely control of the pressure differential. Inaddition, it is contemplate that a valving or switching system (notshown) can be associated with each of the pistons to facilitate exchangeof low pressure and high pressure air between the pressurizablecavities. In this manner, introduction of external air or fluid into thevessel 12 can be reduced or eliminated, and the system can re-use highpressure and low pressure fluid.

FIG. 3 illustrates one aspect of the present invention as viewed along aplane parallel to the barrier plate 14 and the guide rails 18. Thus, thebarrier plate 14 and guide rails 18 extend into a plane orthogonal tothe page on which FIG. 3 is disposed. Shown in FIG. 3 are connectingpins 40 which can be coupled to the piston 17 a and extend outwardlythrough channels 42 formed in the cylinder 16 a. The channels 42 can besized slightly larger than the pins 40, to allow some movement of thepiston without interfering contact with the cylinder 16 a. The pins 40can be coupled to the guide rails 18 in any manner known to thoseskilled in the art, and are shown in FIG. 3 as terminating in annularbearings 44. Of course, any suitable bearing or other connecting meanscan also be used.

It will be appreciated that, upon being subject to a pressuredifferential condition, that is, a condition in which the bottom 32 ofthe piston 17 a is exposed to the lower pressure state in thepressurizable cavity (not visible in FIG. 3), the piston will apply adownward force in reaction to the pressure force on the top of thepiston. This force, which is transferred to slanted guide rails 18,results in a force component along the longitudinal axis of the guiderails, which in turn results in the piston sliding downwardly betweenthe guide rails. Because the cylinder 16 a is disposed around the piston17 a, movement of the piston results in movement of the cylinder.Movement of the cylinder results in downward motion and force applied bythe connecting rods 24 to a lower, collapsible piston assembly 44, asdiscussed in more detail below.

Effectuation of cyclic movement of the pistons in accordance with theembodiments discussed above provides an upper piston assembly 45 thatvaries between upward and downward movement along or between the slantedguide rails 18. In order to utilize this cyclic movement, a powertake-off device can be operatively coupled to the upper piston assembly.As shown in the various figures, and in more detail in FIG. 4, in oneembodiment of the invention, the power take-off includes a lower,collapsible piston assembly 44. The collapsible piston assembly caninclude an upper piston 46 disposed over or within a lower piston 48.Seals 50 can be disposed between the upper 46 and lower 48 pistons tolimit high pressure fluid from entering the piston assembly. Lowpressure shaft 52 can be in fluid communication with the piston assembly44 to provide a substantially constant low pressure condition within thepiston assembly. The low pressure shaft can be vented to an outer,atmospheric pressure state outside of the vessel 12. One or more outerseals 54 can be disposed in the wall of the vessel to enable lateraltravel of the low pressure shaft as the piston assembly moves laterallyin the opening in the vessel wall. Linear guide rail 56 can be disposedadjacent the lower piston assembly 44 to provide support for theassembly, and can be coupled to the lower piston assembly through lowfriction couplings such as bearing assemblies (not shown).

As will be appreciated from viewing FIG. 4, as the upper piston assemblymoves along the barrier plate 14 and guide rails 18, the connecting rods24 apply an upward or downward force, respectively, to the top piston 46of lower piston assembly 44. Thus, the collapsible piston assembly 44either collapses or expands, depending on the slanted, lateral movementof the upper piston assembly. Correspondingly, the lateral component ofmovement of piston assembly 44 causes the low pressure shaft 52 to movelaterally side-to-side. As the low pressure shaft 52 provides asubstantially constant low pressure state inside the piston assembly 44,the upper and lower pistons can move relative to each other in asubstantially unimpeded manner. Cyclic lateral movement of the shaft 52can be utilized by an auxiliary power take-off device, such as therotary crank assembly 70 shown in FIG. 5.

The size of the lower piston assembly 44 can be altered according toparticular applications. For instance, because the upper surface of theupper piston 46 of the lower piston assembly is exposed to the highpressure condition within the vessel, it may be desirable to reduce thissurface area, or alter the shape of the exposed surface area, to limit adownward force being applied to the upper piston which may oppose upwardmovement of the upper piston assembly 45.

As shown at 60 in FIG. 1, an additional guide or support rail can beincluded in the system and can be coupled to the upper 45 and lower 44piston assemblies or connecting rods 24 to provide additional support orguidance to the components of the system.

As shown in FIG. 5, an auxiliary power take-off device can beoperatively coupled to or associated with the pressuredifferential-driven engine. The power take-off device 70 shown in FIG. 5includes a rotary crank coupled to the shaft 52 in a manner known tothose skilled in the art. It is contemplated that any power take-offdevice can be associated with the present invention, and can be disposedwithin or external to the vessel 12. For example, it is contemplatedthat an electric generator can be associated with the engine to convertcyclic movement of the piston assemblies into electric power. Bydisposing the generator within the vessel 12, output of mechanicalmotion from the vessel can be limited, as it may be necessary only tooutput an electrical wire from the vessel to which electrically powereddevices can be connected. This can be advantageous in that high-quality,dynamic seals may be necessary for mechanical devices moving in and outof openings in the pressure vessel, whereas simpler seals may sufficefor devices which are not moving relative to the vessel, such as a powerchord.

In addition to the collapsible piston assembly discussed above, it iscontemplated that a number of power take-off devices can be associatedwith the pistons 17 and cylinders 18 to convert the cyclic movement ofthe piston/cylinder assemblies into usable mechanical energy. Examplescan include belts or chains associated with the piston/cylinderassemblies to convert the cyclic motion into rotational motion of thechain or belt. Other examples can include ratchet and pawl assemblies,gear and sprocket assemblies, rotary motion converters, etc.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate piston and cylinder assemblies utilized inother aspects of the invention. In FIG. 6, the piston 80 is configuredas a “cap” type device that can be fitted within a cylinder 82. As it isthe area of the upper high pressure exposure surface of the piston 80that is exposed to the high pressure condition when a pressuredifferential exists in the pressurizable cavity, increasing ormaximizing the surface area of the piston can result in higher powerbeing achieved with lower internal (high) pressure being required in thevessel. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 6, the top of the piston can be madeparallel to the barrier plate and guide rails, or, as shown in FIG. 7,the tops of the pistons 86 can be made substantially parallel to truehorizontal.

As the force or energy output by the engine is primarily a function ofthe high pressure condition within the vessel, the magnitude of the highpressure can be varied according to desired results. For example, if itis assumed that the surface area of a top of a piston is approximately50 square inches, a high pressure with a magnitude of 200 psi will applya force of approximately 10,000 pounds to the top of the piston. Byvarying either the surface area of the piston or the high pressuremagnitude, the force applied to the piston when in the pressuredifferential condition can be varied. For example, by doubling orhalving the high pressure magnitude, the force on the piston cancorrespondingly be doubled or halved. Thus, the desired output of theengine can be altered and tailored to specific applications.

The barrier plate 14 has been described as being substantiallystationary relative to the vessel 12. As shown in FIG. 1, for example,the barrier plate can be coupled to the walls of the vessels to hold theplate stationary. In other embodiments, the barrier plate and guiderails can be disposed within a removable frame which can be coupledinside the vessel. In this manner, an engine can be provided that can berelatively easily dismantled, maintained, and repaired.

While the barrier plate and guide rails have been shown and described asbeing slanted from true vertical or horizontal, it is contemplated thatthey can be of any angle, including vertical or horizontal. In oneembodiment the barrier plate and guide rails are formed at angle ofabout 22 degrees from horizontal. In another embodiment, the angle is 45degrees. In another embodiment, the angle can range from about 8 degreesto about 45 degrees, depending on particular applications of the engine.

Turning now to FIG. 8, an alternate piston and cylinder assembly isshown, wherein piston 170 is disposed within cylinder 160. In thisembodiment, the barrier plate 14 and guide or support rail 18 arealigned substantially parallel to a bottom surface of the vessel 12 (notshown in FIG. 8), which corresponds to a substantially horizontalorientation with respect to FIG. 8. An upper, high pressure exposuresurface 171 of the piston is aligned at an oblique angle with respect tothe bottom surface of the vessel (i.e., the upper surface is aligned atan oblique angle with respect to horizontal). Thus, in this embodiment,it is the upper surface of the piston that provides an angled componentof pressure-induced force to the assembly. An extension rail 101 extendsdownwardly from the piston and is slidably and rigidly coupled to guideor support rail 18. The extension rail shown can be coupled to the rearof the piston in a similar manner as that illustrated discussed inrelation to FIG. 3.

As will be appreciated from FIG. 8, the force F₂ applied to the uppersurface 171 of piston 170 includes both a vertical and a horizontalcomponent. The vertical and horizontal components of this force aretransferred to support rail 18, which results in horizontal movement ofthe piston and the cylinder to the left of the page. That is, the pistonand cylinder have a direction of positive drive to the left of the page,as that is the direction in which the piston will travel when subjectedto a low pressure state in pressurizable cavity 34. Hose 39 can provideventing and pressurizing of the cavity, as discussed in the embodimentsabove.

As cylinder 160 includes a generally larger frontal outer section 130(to the left of the page of FIG. 8) than an outer rearward section 132(the outer section to the right of the page of FIG. 8), the cylinder maybe subject to a force differential which may tend to inhibit leftwardtravel of the cylinder and piston. To aid in overcoming this tendency,piston 120 can be disposed in cylinder 122 which can be coupled to ordisposed adjacent to the frontal face 132 of the cylinder 160. Asubstantially constant low pressure state can be maintained in cavity124 to at least partially remove the larger force component on this face130 of cylinder 160. Restraining member 126 can be utilized to preventpiston 120 from collapsing upon the low pressure state cavity 124.

The use of restraining member 126 is shown in more detail in top view inFIG. 9A. In the embodiment of FIG. 9A, a first piston 170 a and firstcylinder 160 a are disposed on barrier plate 14 a. A second piston 170 band second cylinder 160 b are disposed on barrier plate 14 b. Each ofthe pistons have a direction of positive drive to the left of the pageof FIG. 9A. Each of the pistons includes a frontal piston 120 a, 120 bwhich are coupled and held from relative movement of each cylinder 160a, 160 b, respectively, by restraining member 126. As the frontal faceof each piston 120 a, 120 b is constantly subjected to the higherpressure state within the vessel 12, the restraining member 126 is heldin a substantially constant tension state about pulleys or guide wheels130. Similarly, the rear face 132 a, 132 b of each cylinder isrestrained by restraining member 128. Thus, when the piston andcylinders are in a neutral, stationary state, the restraining membersrestrain pistons 120 a, 120 b slightly apart from each cavity 124 a, 124b, effectively restraining the pistons from collapsing on theirrespective cavities.

In one exemplary use, the pistons can originally be held in a neutral,i.e., immobile state. Upon creating a low pressure state in thepressurizable cavity of first piston 170 a and cylinder 160 a, the firstpiston will move to the left of the page of FIG. 9A. After reaching fulltravel to the left, the pressurizable cavity of the fist piston can beneutralized (i.e., pressurized to equal the high pressure state of thevessel), causing the first piston to stop moving. At that point, thelower piston 170 b and cylinder 160 b, which will have moved in neutralstate to the position shown in FIG. 9B, can be energized to drive it tothe left of the page of FIG. 9B. This cycle can then be repeated tocreate cyclical motion of the piston assemblies over the barrier plates.

An alternate embodiment of the piston arrangement of FIGS. 9A and 9B isshown in FIG. 10 (note that barrier plates and guide or support railsare omitted from this view). In this aspect of the invention, a masterrestraining member 180 can be disposed about pulleys or guide wheels131. The master restraining member can include a chain or generallyslack-resistant conveyor structure to which each cylinder 160 a, 160 bcan be substantially rigidly connected. The master restraining membercan stabilize the travel path of the cylinders and can also be used as apower take-off device. For example, the master restraining member can becoupled to sprockets or other known devices to convert the cyclic,back-and-forth motion of the cylinders and pistons into useablemechanical energy.

The various components described herein can be formed of a variety ofmaterials. However, in one embodiment, the barrier plate is formed ofhigh-strength steel and provided with a highly polished surface tofacilitate easy sliding of the cylinders over the surfaces of thebarrier plate. Similarly, any of the surfaces described herein caninclude a highly polished finish to facilitate low friction movement ofother components. Also, where relative motion between two components isillustrated, it is contemplated that bearing structures as known in theart can be incorporated to improve efficiency of the engine by reducinglosses due to friction.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method forconverting energy from a high pressure fluid into usable translationalenergy is provided. The method can include the steps of: disposing anactuator enclosure adjacent a pressure barrier plate within an outer,high pressure enclosure, said actuator enclosure being slidable relativeto the barrier plate within the outer, high pressure enclosure;disposing an actuator within the actuator enclosure, with a highpressure exposure surface of the actuator disposed at an oblique angleto the pressure barrier plate; retaining the actuator from moving withrespect to the actuator enclosure; pressurizing the outer, high pressureenclosure to a high pressure state; and creating a low pressure statebetween the actuator and the actuator enclosure to thereby cause theactuator and actuator enclosure to slide relative to the barrier platewithin the outer, high pressure enclosure.

The method can include the further step of rigidly and slidably couplingthe actuator to a support rail fixed in a substantially constantposition with respect to the barrier plate to translate force applied bythe actuator into translational energy. The method can include thefurther step of aligning the support rail substantially parallel to thepressure barrier plate. The method can include the further steps of:aligning the pressure barrier plate at an oblique angle with respect toa lower surface of the outer enclosure, and orienting the high pressureexposure surface of the actuator substantially parallel to the lowersurface of the outer enclosure.

The method can include the further steps of: aligning the pressurebarrier plate substantially parallel to a lower surface of the outerenclosure, and orienting the high pressure exposure surface of theactuator at an oblique angle with respect to the lower surface of theouter enclosure.

The method can include the further step of disposing a second actuatorenclosure adjacent the pressure barrier plate, the second actuatorenclosure having a second actuator disposed therein, the second actuatorenclosure and second actuator having a direction of positive driveopposing a direction of positive drive of the actuator enclosure andactuator.

The method can include the further step of operatively coupling a powertake-off device to the actuator to convert cyclic linear motion of theactuator into useable mechanical energy.

The method can include the further step of disposing at least onesubstantially pressure-tight seal between the actuator enclosure and thebarrier plate to facilitate slidable movement of the actuator enclosurealong the barrier plate while maintaining the pressurizable cavity.

It is to be understood that the above-referenced arrangements areillustrative of the application for the principles of the presentinvention. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artthat numerous modifications can be made without departing from theprinciples and concepts of the invention as set forth in the claims.

1. A pressure differential-driven engine, comprising: an outerpressurizable enclosure; a pressure barrier plate disposed within theouter pressurizable enclosure; an actuator enclosure, disposed adjacentthe pressure barrier plate and having an actuator disposed therein; theactuator having a high pressure exposure surface forming an obliqueangle with respect to the pressure barrier plate; the pressure barrierplate, a bottom of the actuator, and the actuator enclosurecooperatively defining a pressurizable cavity cyclable between a first,high pressure state, and a second, low pressure state; and the actuatorand actuator enclosure being collectively slidable relative to thebarrier plate, and the engine being configured so as to operate inreaction to cycling of the pressurizable cavity between the first andsecond pressure states to produce usable translational energy.
 2. Theengine of claim 1, further comprising at least one support rail fixed inposition relative to the pressure barrier plate, and wherein theactuator is rigidly and slidably coupled to the support rail in asubstantially constant position with respect to the actuator enclosure,the support rail being configured to translate force applied by theactuator into translational energy.
 3. The engine of claim 2, whereinthe at least one support rail is fixed in position substantiallyparallel to the pressure barrier plate.
 4. The engine of claim 1,wherein the pressure barrier plate is aligned at an oblique angle withrespect to a lower surface of the outer enclosure, and wherein the highpressure exposure surface of the actuator is oriented substantiallyparallel to the lower surface of the outer enclosure.
 5. The engine ofclaim 1, wherein the pressure barrier plate is aligned substantiallyparallel to a lower surface of the outer enclosure, and wherein the highpressure exposure surface of the actuator is oriented at an obliqueangle with respect to the lower surface of the outer enclosure.
 6. Theengine of claim 1, further comprising a second actuator enclosuredisposed adjacent the pressure barrier plate having a second actuatordisposed therein, the second actuator enclosure and second actuatorhaving a direction of positive drive opposing a direction of positivedrive of the actuator enclosure and actuator.
 7. The engine of claim 1,further comprising a power take-off device operatively coupled to theactuator to convert cyclic linear motion of the actuator into useablemechanical energy.
 8. The engine of claim 7, wherein the power take-offdevice includes a lower, collapsible piston assembly configured toconvert the cyclic motion of the actuator and actuator assembly intolateral, linear cyclic motion.
 9. The engine of claim 1, furthercomprising at least one substantially pressure-tight seal disposedbetween the actuator enclosure and the barrier plate to facilitateslidable movement of the actuator enclosure along the barrier platewhile maintaining integrity of the pressurizable cavity.
 10. The engineof claim 1, further comprising a valve system operatively coupled to theactuator, the valve system enabling cycling of the pressurizable cavitybetween the first and second pressure states.
 11. The engine of claim10, wherein the valve system selectively exposes the pressurizablecavity to an ambient pressure state external to the outer enclosure,said ambient pressure state corresponding to the second, low pressurestate.
 12. A pressure differential-driven engine, comprising: an outerpressurizable enclosure; a pressure barrier plate being disposed withinthe outer pressurizable enclosure; an actuator enclosure, disposed uponthe pressure barrier plate and having an actuator disposed therein, saidactuator being rigidly and slidably coupled to at least one support railfixed in position with respect to the actuator enclosure; the pressurebarrier plate, a bottom of the actuator, and the actuator enclosurecooperatively defining a pressurizable cavity cyclable between a first,high pressure state, and a second, low pressure state; and the actuatorand actuator enclosure being slidable relative to the barrier plate inreaction to cycling of the pressurizable cavity between the first andsecond pressure states to produce usable translational energy.
 13. Theengine of claim 12, wherein the at least one support rail is fixed inposition substantially parallel to the pressure barrier plate.
 14. Theengine of claim 12, wherein the pressure barrier plate is oriented at anoblique angle with respect to a lower surface of the outer enclosure,and wherein a high pressure exposure surface of the actuator is orientedsubstantially parallel to the lower surface of the outer enclosure. 15.The engine of claim 12, wherein the pressure barrier plate is orientedsubstantially parallel to a lower surface of the outer enclosure, andwherein a high pressure exposure surface of the actuator is oriented atan oblique angle with respect to the lower surface of the outerenclosure.
 16. The engine of claim 12, further comprising a secondactuator enclosure disposed adjacent the barrier plate and having asecond actuator disposed therein, the second actuator enclosure andsecond actuator having a direction of positive drive opposing adirection of positive drive of the actuator enclosure and actuator. 17.The engine of claim 12, further comprising a power take-off deviceoperatively coupled to the actuator to convert cyclic linear motion ofthe actuator into useable mechanical energy.
 18. The engine of claim 17,wherein the power take-off device includes a lower, collapsible pistonassembly configured to convert the cyclic motion of the actuator andactuator assembly into lateral, linear cyclic motion.
 19. The engine ofclaim 12, further comprising at least one substantially pressure-tightseal disposed between the actuator enclosure and the barrier plate tofacilitate slidable movement of the actuator enclosure along the barrierplate while maintaining integrity of the pressurizable cavity.
 20. Theengine of claim 12, further comprising a valve system operativelycoupled to the actuator, the valve system enabling cycling of thepressurizable cavity between the first and second pressure states. 21.The engine of claim 20, wherein the valve system selectively exposes thepressurizable cavity to an ambient pressure state external to the outerenclosure, said ambient pressure state corresponding to the second, lowpressure state.
 22. A method for converting energy from a high pressurefluid into usable translational energy, comprising the steps of:disposing an actuator enclosure adjacent a pressure barrier plate withinan outer, high pressure enclosure, said actuator enclosure beingslidable relative to the barrier plate within the outer, high pressureenclosure; disposing an actuator within the actuator enclosure, with ahigh pressure exposure surface of the actuator disposed at an obliqueangle to the pressure barrier plate; retaining the actuator from movingwith respect to the actuator enclosure; pressurizing the outer, highpressure enclosure to a high pressure state; and creating a low pressurestate between the actuator and the actuator enclosure to thereby causethe actuator and actuator enclosure to slide relative to the barrierplate within the outer, high pressure enclosure.
 23. The method of claim22, comprising the further step of rigidly and slidably coupling theactuator to a support rail fixed in a substantially constant positionwith respect to the barrier plate to translate force applied by theactuator into translational energy.
 24. The method of claim 23,comprising the further step of aligning the support rail substantiallyparallel to the pressure barrier plate.
 25. The method of claim 22,comprising the further steps of: aligning the pressure barrier plate atan oblique angle with respect to a lower surface of the outer enclosure,and orienting the high pressure exposure surface of the actuatorsubstantially parallel to the lower surface of the outer enclosure. 26.The method of claim 22, comprising the further steps of: aligning thepressure barrier plate substantially parallel to a lower surface of theouter enclosure, and orienting the high pressure exposure surface of theactuator at an oblique angle with respect to the lower surface of theouter enclosure.
 27. The method of claim 22, comprising the further stepof disposing a second actuator enclosure adjacent the pressure barrierplate, the second actuator enclosure having a second actuator disposedtherein, the second actuator enclosure and second actuator having adirection of positive drive opposing a direction of positive drive ofthe actuator enclosure and actuator.
 28. The method of claim 22,comprising the further step of operatively coupling a power take-offdevice to the actuator to convert cyclic linear motion of the actuatorinto useable mechanical energy.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein thepower take-off device includes a lower, collapsible piston assemblyconfigured to convert the cyclic motion of the actuator and actuatorassembly into lateral, linear cyclic motion.
 30. The method of claim 22,comprising the further step of disposing at least one substantiallypressure-tight seal between the actuator enclosure and the barrier plateto facilitate slidable movement of the actuator enclosure along thebarrier plate while maintaining integrity of the pressurizable cavity.31. The method of claim 22, comprising the further step of operativelycoupling a valve system to the actuator, the valve system enablingcycling of the pressurizable cavity between the first and secondpressure states.
 32. The method of claim 31, wherein the valve systemselectively exposes the pressurizable cavity to an ambient pressurestate external to the outer enclosure, said ambient pressure statecorresponding to the low pressure state.